Still on the run, journalist Eddie Brock and his alien companion Venom dodge threats from a vigilant military leader and ruthless invading symbiotes
Tom Hardy returns as Eddie Brock and his alien alter ego in Venom: The Last Dance, the third and reportedly final chapter of Sony’s anti hero saga. Directed by Kelly Marcel (co writer of the first two films), this 2024 sci-fi romp doubles down on chaotic action, slapstick humor, and the bizarre bond between man and symbiote. With a bigger budget, wilder set pieces, and three award nominations, The Last Dance aims to please die hard fans even if it stumbles under the weight of its own messy ambition.
Plot and Themes
Eddie Brock (Hardy) and Venom flee the U.S. after the government brands them threats. General Cross (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a relentless military leader, hunts them with high tech weapons. Meanwhile, invading symbiotes from space target Venom, forcing the duo into uneasy alliances. The script by Marcel, Hardy, and Todd McFarlane (Spawn) juggles too many villains but nails the central odd couple dynamic. Themes of loyalty and self acceptance peek through the chaos, asking: Can a monster ever truly belong?
Cast and Performances
Hardy remains the franchise’s MVP, balancing Eddie’s weary cynicism with Venom’s gleeful carnage. His physical comedy like struggling to control Venom’s tentacles during a diner brawl delivers laughs, while quieter moments hint at the character’s loneliness. Ejiofor brings gravitas to General Cross, though the role feels underdeveloped. Juno Temple (Ted Lasso) shines as a rogue scientist aiding Eddie, but her screen time is criminally short. The real star? Hardy and Venom’s bickering, which remains as entertaining as ever.
Direction and Action
Marcel leans into the series’ campy tone, staging absurd fights with a wink. A desert chase involving Venom turned dune buggy rivals Mad Max for sheer insanity. CGI symbiote battles dazzle but overwhelm; at times, the screen becomes a blur of black goo and teeth. Pacing stumbles in the second act, with repetitive “run, fight, repeat” sequences. Still, Marcel sticks the landing with a bittersweet finale that honors Eddie and Venom’s twisted partnership.
Humor and Heart
The film’s best moments lean into self-aware humor. Venom binge-watches Friends, adopts a pet cactus, and debates Eddie about pizza toppings. Hardy’s improvised rants (“I’m done with your space nonsense!”) feel fresh, even after three films. But emotional beats like Eddie confronting past regrets get lost in the noise. A subplot about Venom’s origins adds depth but needed more time to breathe.
Criticisms and Standouts
The Last Dance struggles with bloat. Too many villains dilute the stakes, and rushed plot twists strain logic. Ejiofor’s Cross deserved a meatier role, and Temple’s scientist exits too soon. But Hardy’s commitment saves the day. A mid credits scene teasing future crossovers (hello, Spider-Man?) will thrill fans, even if it feels tacked on.
Legacy and Audience Appeal
Fans of the first two Venom films will love this messy victory lap. The humor, action, and Hardy’s dual performance deliver what the series promises: dumb fun with a side of heart. Critics of the franchise won’t be converted the plot holes and CGI overload remain but The Last Dance knows its audience. It’s a fitting send off for Marvel’s weirdest couple.
Final Verdict
Venom: The Last Dance is a flawed but fun finale. It won’t win awards for subtlety, but its mix of humor, action, and Tom Hardy’s unhinged charm makes it a solid crowd pleaser. If you’re here for symbiote chaos and zero introspection, you’ll leave satisfied.
As Eddie and Venom ride into the sunset (literally), one thing’s clear: love them or hate them, their chaotic energy is irreplaceable. Grab popcorn, turn off your brain, and let the go fly.